COG History:

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners established the Citizen Outreach Group (COG) in 2005 and appointed nine members to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of County Commissioners and to facilitate communication between county citizens and the Board of County Commissioners (By-laws).  In 2006, the Board of County Commissioners increased the number of members to eleven. Five members are selected to represent each of the five commissioner districts and six serve in an at-large capacity.  Members are appointed for three-year terms and serve on a volunteer basis.

COG Mission:

To build citizen confidence in El Paso County government.

The COG acts as a liaison between county residents and the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC), other Countywide elected officials, and County staff to help achieve one of the goals of the County Strategic Plan: "Increase public understanding, trust, and confidence in County government."

Citizens' College:

The Citizen Outreach Group conducts a "Citizens' College".  This course allows citizens to learn first-hand how county government works.  To view the curriculum from the 2007 college, click here.

County Volunteer Reception:

The Citizen Outreach Group also plans the annual volunteer appreciation reception.

Citizen Communication:

The prime purpose for establishing the Citizen Outreach Group is to foster communication between county residents and our county commissioners.  Citizens may bring issues to the commissioners during the citizen input portion of each commissioner meeting (click here for commissioner meeting info).  Citizens may also attend the COG meetings where citizen input is taken.  Citizens can also E-mail the COG with concerns or issues.

The COG will also be conducting Community Forums in each of the districts starting in 2008.  Once a schedule is determined, it will be posted on this page.